TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--School Supplies Product Category

USB Flex Neck Light by LIGHTWEDGE

The USB Flex Neck Light uses LEDs, which never get hot or burn out, and last more than 20,000 hours. The light is powered by USB port or batteries housed in the detachable clip. “The USB Flex Neck Light is the perfect solution for the student on-the-go,” Lightwedge Marketing Communications Director Nicky Shifman told TDmonthly. “Plug it into the USB port on a laptop for late-night studying or, use the detachable clip to attach to a book for reading in bed.” Launch date: April 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iwako Ice Cream Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

This eraser looks just like a cup of ice cream. Many other varieties are available in the ice cream line, including ice cream in a cone and ice cream bars.
— “The erasers are doing really well,” David Ekwall of The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., told TDmonthly in May 2008. “They’re erasers from Japan that come in all different shapes — there are vehicles and cakes and ice cream.”
— “Japanese erasers are huge pickups,” Candace Williams of The Toy Maven in Dallas, Texas, told TDmonthly in May 2008. “[We’re] almost out of a 1,300 wholesale order [placed] three weeks ago.”
— In May 2008, two retailers singled out Japanese erasers as their best-selling novelty item. ( Watch Video) 6/9/2008 (Price: $1.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twist 'n Write™ Pencil PenAgain® by PACIFIC WRITING INSTRUMENTS INC.

The ergonomically designed pencil forces the user into the correct tri-pod grip. Kids find it fun and exciting to use, even nicknaming it the “rocket ship” pencil. ($2.50 for pack of 2). Launch date: December 2007. 5/30/2008 (Price: $2.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quercetti Tables Tube by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Children can learn their timetables with this mechanical calculator. Simply turn the knobs on the sides to select numbers between one and ten, and see multiplication and division equations at the same time. For example, “3 x 6 = 18 / 6 = 3.” “The tables tube is a fun, but inexpensive way of bringing the times tables wherever they go,” International Playthings Inc. Representative Nicole Tiedemann told TDmonthly. “Kids can surely use the practice, and will also love having a cool way of studying right in their pocket.” 5/30/2008 (Price: $24.99)

Brain Food Thinking Putty by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

The high-quality, moldable putty allows children to create and recreate endlessly. “Used in conjunction with pre-writing and brainstorming activities, Brain Food channels kids’ fidget energy so they can focus mentally,” Shannon Wallingford of Fat Brain Toy Co., told TDmonthly. “Made in the USA, Brain Food is 100 percent pliable, never dries out, has no odor, has a brilliant color and is available in impressive, color-changing varieties.” Launch date: May 5, 2008. ( Watch Video) 5/22/2008 (Price: $15.00)

Quickie Glue™ by SAKURA OF AMERICA

The glue pen is mess-free, offering kids the convenience of glue in a design that is easy to hold and manipulate. The pen forms a “temporary bond when clear, so kids can move around items. When the glue is blue, the bond is permanent,” Sakura of America Marketing Assistant Linda Lyon told TDmonthly. 4/28/2008 (Price: $2.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gelly Roll® Metallic, 10-Pack by SAKURA OF AMERICA

The pen’s formula makes for vivid, bright colors that reflect like gold. Individual pens are also available, with an MSRP of $1.29. “No other pen writes so smooth with such brilliant ink!” Sakura of America Marketing Assistant Linda Lyon told TDmonthly. 4/28/2008 (Price: $12.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bird in Tree Sketchbook by eeBoo corp.

The drawing book comes with 60 blank pages. A matching oil pastel set is also available. “Beautiful artwork packaging [will] inspire little artists!” Roisin Ross of eeBoo Corp. told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008. 4/28/2008 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bird in Tree Oil Pastels by eeBoo corp.

The kit comes with oil pastels in 48 different colors. Launch date: February 2008. 4/28/2008 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flower, Hearts, Dots three point highlighters by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Highlight your important notes and appointments with Tatiti's unique, colorful highlighter...It is a very good reminder! 4/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

P'kolino Colored Pencils by P'KOLINO

These jumbo pencils are triangular in shape to better fit little hands (and to prevent rolling onto the floor). The extra-thick color core reduces broken tips and cracking while sharpening; so it last longer. The natural wood exterior is made from sustainable forest resources. An extra-special pencil set for an extra-special someone. 3/10/2008 (Price: $9.85) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crammer Study and Sound System by LEAPFROG

The unit functions as a database of virtual flash cards, displayed on a 2-1/2 screen. One GB of information can be stored on the unit’s built-in flash memory drive. The system also features music-playback, language translation and software download capability. Launch date: Fall 2008. 2/27/2008 (Price: $60.00)

Play Go Go Pack by THE PIGGY STORY INC.

The backpack contains ten washable double-sided markers, an activity book, sticker sheets and a removable pocket pouch. The water-resistant backpack also features a laminated cover for easy cleaning, a lightweight design, Velcro closure, adjustable shoulder straps, a slotted marker pocket and an ID card slot. Five patterns are available. 1/31/2008 (Price: $40.00)

Peanuts "Classic Cookie Break" Lunchbox by NECA

One side of the tin lunchbox features Charlie Brown, while the other side features Snoopy. The lunchbox comes with a matching thermos. 1/29/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Barbie™ Novelty Lunch Kit by MATTEL INC.

This fashionable lunch kit looks like a purse. The outside of the bag features Barbie and her pals, while the inside flap features a picture window for girls to insert their own picture.
— Baltimore, Md.’s Barston’s Child’s Play Owner Barbara Fineblum told TDmonthly in April 2008 that Barbie products are her best-selling licensed items.
— Helen Dean, owner of Toy Safari in Alameda, Calif., also named Barbie as one of her best-selling licensed lines.
— In April 2008, 4 percent of retailers who spoke to TDmonthly singled out Barbie as the best-selling licensed line of products in their store. 1/18/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toddler Bag (Anteater) by BOOGALOO TOYS

The toddler bag is sized to hold a child’s “take-everywhere” toys in the top compartment, while the lower insulated and zipped compartment is for food and drinks. An additional zippered compartment houses a small freezer block to keep food cool. Launch date: October 2007. 12/28/2007 (Price: $24.95)

Little Books of Friendship by eeBoo corp.

The 4” x 5-3/4” book comes with stickers and features lined pages on one side and blank pages on the opposite side. Each pack comes with four books and eight stickers. The Little Books Of line also includes Fluorescent Flowers and Mechanical. Launch date: January 1, 2008. 12/19/2007 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flower Composition Books - Lavendar Chinese Flower by eeBoo corp.

The book measures 7-1/2” x 9-3/4” and comes with 144 lined pages. The book includes a class schedule, a multiplication table, a metric conversion chart and other useful information. The back of the composition book even features a special flower poem. Other varieties in the Flower Composition line include Blue, Red and Yellow Chinese Flower. Other composition book lines include Nature and Big Book. Launch date: January 1, 2008. 12/19/2007 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Blossom Party Sketchbook by eeBoo corp.

The spiral, top-bound sketchbook measures 8-1/2” x 11.” A matching set of 24 colored pencils is available separately. Other eeBoo sketchbook varieties include Birds and Tree, Fish, Cherry Tree and Castle. 12/19/2007 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Speaking Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition by FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS

The electronic dictionary is designed to help business professionals or students communicate effectively. The handheld device is both a comprehensive language reference tool and planner all in one. It speaks clear and concise definitions and includes a local/world clock, built-in organizer, calculator and currency/metric converter. Launch date: August 2007. 12/5/2007 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Speaking Spelling Bee by FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS

The virtual spelling bee tutor is designed to improve spelling for both serious spelling bee participants and third to eighth grade students. The product features a 7,000 word spelling bee list and three play modes (Competition, Practice and Game Show), multi-level difficulty (Beginner, Advanced and Master) and score keeping with top 5 scores saved on the device.  The product includes a 2" vivid color LCD screen, sliding QWERTY keyboard, TV Out and an interactive male or female "moderator" with recorded speech. "This product serves a niche market for youth that are trying to perfect their spelling," Colleen DeVine, a representative for Franklin Electronic Publishers, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2008. 12/5/2007 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Elushkas Inc. - Sticky Tongue Bookmark by I.A. DESIGN STUDIO

The bookmark sticks to pages using a glue similar to 3M Post-it notes. It is fun as an amusement toy and functional as a bookmark. The MSRP is between $0.99 and $1.95. 11/30/2007 (Price: $1.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classroom Organizer by JONTI-CRAFT INC.

The highly-functional storage unit measures 48”W x 15”D x 40”H and features removable folder partitions and shelves for large cubby trays. The unit is mounted on heavy-duty casters, which makes the unit mobile, stable and durable. The organizer, designed for 20 students, is protected with a KYDZTuff finish and comes with a lifetime warranty. This product is a 2007 Instructor Magazine Teachers’ Pick Award winner. 11/5/2007 (Price: $501.70) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar System Ruler by SAFARI LTD.®

The metric conversion ruler is perfect for school. The ruler features the entire solar system and individual facts on each planet. 10/19/2007 (Price: $1.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

States and Capitals Wrap-Ups by LEARNING WRAP-UPS INC.

With this set, students wrap the string from the problem on the left to the answer on the right, and then turn the Wrap-up over to see if they got it right. Kids may want to use a stop watch to measure improvement and see how fast they can go. Each set contains 10 self-correcting keys.
— Deborah Smith from Toys That Teach in Richmond, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Learning Wrap Ups are one of their bestselling educational products, especially in the beginning of the school year. "It always picks up around report card time. If the kid gets a bad report card, the parents are in the store looking for something to help. 10/12/2007 (Price: $8.99)